HYDERABAD:Over the past few years, the popularity of kabaddi has been on an upward spiral, and Asia has embraced the sport like its own. Countries like Iran, Japan, Korea and Thailand have time and again proven that if given right exposure, they can beat the very best in the world — India.
On that account Sri Lanka seems to be lagging. Though the game is gaining popularity there, it is nowhere close to where some of their neighbouring countries have reached. Even in Pro Kabaddi League, they have only one representation — Sinotharan Kanesharjah.
Ironically, Sinotharan has been a part of league since its inception, and has played for Bengaluru Bulls, but his presence in the league hasn’t helped the sport grow in his country.In a nation where cricket is the go-to sport, Sinotharan feels that the sport can grow in his country, but it will require a lot of dedicated effort on the part of his home association. “In Sri Lanka, cricket is the biggest sport and we don’t have proper bodies to promote the sport on national level. But there are some kabaddi clubs like Sri Lanka Eastern Club and Sri Lanaka Western Club who are doing well and have a good pool of players. We hope that more of our players can be a part of the league,” Sinorathan said.
“It was due to the efforts of the Sri Lanka Kabaddi Federation that I got here. I have learnt a lot in this league. All the credit goes to my coach,” he added. One of the biggest challenges that players like Sinotharan, who works for the Sri Lankan Naval Force, face back home is that kabaddi is not a full-time profession.
Match 1: U Mumba 29 bt 28 Haryana Steelers.